“Right now, all eyes are shifting towards ASEAN. This spotlight should inspire all of us to work harder in achieving an ASEAN Community 2015, and to transpire a solid regional partnership to address and seek solutions for global issues.” explained President Yudhoyono in the opening plenary of the 18th ASEAN Summit, at Jakarta Convention Center earlier this morning (7/5).

President Yudhoyono highlighted that more and more countries have intensified efforts in realizing cooperation with ASEAN. This is a testament for increase image ASEAN as a regional cooperation. “We have build experience and learnings from over forty years history of cooperation. Thus, we have plenty to offer to other regions and countries outside our region”

To conclude its potential, it is hoped that ASEAN continues to stay responsive and becomes solution seeker, while at the same time realising opportunities and challenges that has became more complicated and complex.“We are not only dealing with national problems anymore, so there’s a need for a more comprehensive resolution and better cooperation between countries in South East Asia.” adds Mister President. “There’s a need for better cooperation among nations whether its in regional or in global forums”

In the spirit of seeking solutions, President SBY stresses again the needs to progress Indonesia’s Chairmanship priorities, which includes:

2. Ensuring a sustainable and condusive region for the attainment of development goals, such as through the commencement of East Asia Summit, bearing in mind ASEAN’s centrality; and

3. Succeeding discussions of a vision “ASEAN Beyond 2015”, which elaborate the role of ASEAN Community amongst a Global Community of Nations. Thereof after the realization of an ASEAN Community in 2015, ASEAN will be ready to take a role in addressing increasing global challenges.

These three priorities will be further addressed with a people centeredapproach in order for all elements of the community to have a sense of belonging and strong willingness to participate. “They will be the first, and foremost important beneficiary of our initiative” acclaimed Mster President.

Progress achieving Priorities

To realize these priorities, ASEAN, under the leadership of Indonesia have taken forward measures in preparation for the upcoming East Asia Summit that will contribute to the region’s stability to which entails an increase of welfare to the community.

ASEAN have gained progress in establishing market connectivity by the development of an integrated website which communicates seven stock exchange to increase blue chip equity amongst investor. In the near future ASEAN will be realizing the impelemntation of Credit Guarantee and Investment Faciliteswith a total amount of 700 million US dollar. This is added on the plan to form the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund to bolster infrastructure development in the region.

ASEAN needs to ensure that the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity could be implemented effectively, promote SME and develop trade, investment and tourism amongst ASEAN and with Dialogue Partners.

In the act to encourage people to people interaction, the Summit held a meeting with representative from Parliamentary Assembly, Civil Society Organization and Youth to further progress ASEAN as a people centered and oriented organization.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has stated that according to US News and World Report survey results, Indonesia was in the second place among the world`s two most attractive countries for investment destination.

President Joko Widodo expressed congratulations to mothers and women on the occasion of the International Women`s Day in front of the recipients of Smart Indonesia Card, Hope Family Program, and Social Rice (Rastra) assistance.

Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko received the visit of the American ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph R Donovan Jr, at his office in Jakarta on Monday, to discuss a number of bilateral cooperation, including joint military training.

The Kazakh government is interested to learn the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT)′s soft approaches to deal with terrorism, BNPT Chief Commissioner General Police Suhardi Alius said in a press statement released on Sunday.